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10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

WEMAX Nova 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Projector, 150" ALPD Laser TV with Smart Android TV, HDR10 Home Theater, Dolby Audio DTS-HD, UST Projector for Movie, WiFi Bluetooth, Built in Google Assistant

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,272
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Keystone Correction

Most important from
377 reviews

Brightness
The Nova's colors pop and brightness is impressive, making it a better buy compared to more expensive models.
Contrast Ratio
Image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors, good contrast, and a crisp, sharp picture.
Keystone Correction
The setup process is very easy, with a guided setup that helps fine-tune the picture using keystone correction.

The WEMAX Nova 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Projector is designed to transform your home into a high-quality cinema experience. It boasts a 4K UHD resolution, offering four times the resolution of standard Full HD, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The ALPD 3.0 and TI DLP technology further enhance its picture quality by expanding the color gamut and improving detail clarity. The projector's brightness is rated at 1300 ANSI lumens, which should suffice for most home settings, though it might struggle in very bright rooms.

The projector can project images up to 150 inches, making it versatile for various room sizes. The 8-point keystone correction allows for precise image alignment, which is crucial for maintaining image quality on large screens. Connectivity is robust with options for both wireless (WiFi, Bluetooth) and wired (HDMI, USB) connections, enabling easy integration with various devices. Integrated Android TV allows access to a wide range of streaming apps, though Netflix usage requires a workaround.

The built-in 30W Dolby Audio DTS-HD speakers provide good sound quality, but audiophiles might prefer connecting their sound systems via HDMI for a superior audio experience. Weighing 16 pounds and with a compact design, it is relatively easy to set up. The WEMAX Nova is a strong contender in the short-throw projector category, suitable for home cinema enthusiasts who value high resolution, smart features, and flexible connectivity options, though it may require some adjustments for optimal performance in very bright environments.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,272
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Keystone Correction

Most important from
377 reviews

Brightness
The Nova's colors pop and brightness is impressive, making it a better buy compared to more expensive models.
Contrast Ratio
Image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors, good contrast, and a crisp, sharp picture.
Keystone Correction
The setup process is very easy, with a guided setup that helps fine-tune the picture using keystone correction.
#2

LG HU85LA 120” 4K UHD Resolution (3840 x 2160) Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Ultra Short Throw Projector, 2700 ANSI Lumen, Smart TV enabled, Alexa Built-in, HDR10, with Magic Remote - White

Rating
9.8
Throw Ratio
Brightness
Connectivity

Most important from
121 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra-short throw capability is a game-changer, allowing a 120" screen from just 7.2 inches away, which is perfect for small spaces.
Brightness
Despite its 2700 lumens, closing curtains during the day is necessary for the best image quality.
Connectivity
The built-in smart features, including the magic remote and connectivity with Alexa and Google Home, add significant convenience and functionality.

The LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater Cinebeam Projector is an excellent choice for home cinema enthusiasts. It features a stunning 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160), ensuring crisp and vibrant picture quality. With a brightness level of up to 2700 ANSI Lumens, it performs well even in rooms with some ambient light. The ultra-short throw capability allows you to display a 120” screen from just 7.2 inches away, making it perfect for small spaces.

The projector also includes LG’s webOS Lite smart TV platform, which provides access to popular streaming services through an intuitive interface, and it comes with Alexa built-in for voice control convenience. LG ThinQ AI and Bluetooth connectivity further enhance its smart features.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the LG HU85LA offers a robust set of features for a premium home theater experience.

Rating
9.8
Throw Ratio
Brightness
Connectivity

Most important from
121 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra-short throw capability is a game-changer, allowing a 120" screen from just 7.2 inches away, which is perfect for small spaces.
Brightness
Despite its 2700 lumens, closing curtains during the day is necessary for the best image quality.
Connectivity
The built-in smart features, including the magic remote and connectivity with Alexa and Google Home, add significant convenience and functionality.
#3

AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro 4K 3D Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector, Dolby Vision & Atmos, HDR10+, 150" UST Laser TV Home Theater Projector

Rating
9.7
Resolution
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
118 reviews

Resolution
While the 4K image quality is incredibly detailed, some scenes may appear too harsh and require adjustments.
Brightness
The picture quality is amazing, with everything looking incredibly clear and bright.
Contrast Ratio
Color rendition and contrast are wonderful, delivering outstanding visuals whether streaming or using a Blu-ray player.

The AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro 4K projector stands out in the short-throw projector category, particularly for home cinema enthusiasts looking for an immersive experience. With a remarkable resolution of 3840 x 2160 and the ability to project up to 150 inches, it delivers sharp and vibrant images that can perform well in various lighting conditions. The advanced triple laser technology ensures bright visuals even during the day, making it a suitable replacement for larger TVs.

One of its notable strengths is the integration of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which enhances both the picture and sound quality for a fully immersive experience. The projector's support for 3D content adds another layer of entertainment, making it appealing for movie lovers who enjoy cinematic experiences at home. The projector also features convenient connectivity options, particularly HDMI, and offers smart home integration through PJ Link IP control, which is perfect for users who have automated home systems.

The power-saving capability is a significant advantage, as it consumes less energy than traditional TVs, saving on electricity bills over time. On the downside, the high initial price and weight of 33.9 pounds might deter some users who are looking for more portable or budget-friendly options. Additionally, while the projector excels in audio-visual quality, the requirement for compatible screens (like ALR screens) means that users need to invest further to maximize performance.

Rating
9.7
Resolution
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
118 reviews

Resolution
While the 4K image quality is incredibly detailed, some scenes may appear too harsh and require adjustments.
Brightness
The picture quality is amazing, with everything looking incredibly clear and bright.
Contrast Ratio
Color rendition and contrast are wonderful, delivering outstanding visuals whether streaming or using a Blu-ray player.

Buying Guide for the Best Short Throw Projectors

Choosing the right short-throw projector can significantly enhance your viewing experience, whether it's for home entertainment, business presentations, or educational purposes. Short-throw projectors are designed to project large images from a short distance, making them ideal for small spaces. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they impact performance and usability.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the projected image. This spec is crucial because it determines how close you can place the projector to the screen while still achieving the desired image size. Short-throw projectors typically have a throw ratio between 0.4:1 and 1.0:1. If you have limited space, look for a lower throw ratio, which allows you to place the projector closer to the screen. Consider your room size and how far you can place the projector from the screen to choose the right throw ratio for your setup.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the projected image, usually described as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution means more detail and clarity. Common resolutions for short-throw projectors include 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), and 4K (Ultra HD). If you plan to use the projector for movies, gaming, or detailed presentations, a higher resolution like 1080p or 4K is recommended. For basic presentations or educational purposes, 720p may suffice.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and indicates how bright the projected image will be. This is important because it affects visibility, especially in well-lit rooms. Short-throw projectors typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 lumens. For dark or dimly lit rooms, 1,000 to 2,000 lumens may be adequate. For rooms with more ambient light, look for a projector with 2,500 lumens or more to ensure a clear and vibrant image.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which enhances image quality. Short-throw projectors often have contrast ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 100,000:1. For home theater use, a higher contrast ratio is preferable to achieve better picture quality. For business or educational use, a moderate contrast ratio may be sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common inputs include HDMI, USB, VGA, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This spec is important because it affects the ease of setup and compatibility with your devices. If you plan to connect multiple devices, look for a projector with multiple HDMI ports and wireless connectivity. For simpler setups, a single HDMI port may be enough.
Keystone CorrectionKeystone correction allows you to adjust the image to be perfectly rectangular, even if the projector is not perfectly aligned with the screen. This is important for achieving a professional-looking image without distortion. Short-throw projectors often offer both vertical and horizontal keystone correction. If you anticipate placing the projector at an angle or off-center, look for a model with comprehensive keystone correction features to ensure a clear and properly aligned image.
Lamp LifeLamp life indicates how long the projector's lamp will last before it needs to be replaced, usually measured in hours. This is important for maintenance and long-term costs. Short-throw projectors typically have lamp lives ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 hours. If you plan to use the projector frequently, look for a model with a longer lamp life to reduce the need for replacements. For occasional use, a shorter lamp life may be acceptable.

FAQ